Nameless: Tei (Good end)
Dec. 5th, 2018 07:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Time for loveable big brother-type Tei! I'm sure this will be all fluff and hugs ^_^
**Content notes: Attempted rape, abuse, problematically tropey depictions of trauma and mental illness**
Yes, this is just for the good end. But I actually really liked it...in a messed up sort of way. It had that gothic romance building tension and emotional intensity and blurriness between hero and villain.
So Tei is my only unplayed option in the selection screen, and instead of going into the now familiar common path that starts the Lance/Yeonho/Yuri routes I get a brand new beginning. There isn't even a dream.
Chapter: Prince Sunshine
Eri is about to write in her diary when she notices that all the previous pages are smudged.
Eri: That's basically my memories :(
Nameless: Soon all your memories will be destroyed. Aren't you excited?
She turns around in shock but can't see where his voice is coming from. And then she is blinded by white light, and loses consciousness.
THIS IS NOT THE SORT OF CREEPY I WAS EXPECTING??
She wakes to her alarm and someone calling her name: Tei. When she tries to remember past her diary being smudged, her head hurts. She feels dizzy and stumbles into his arms as she gets up. She feels butterflies.
Tei: Your face is red, are you feverish?
Eri: no >.>
Tei Let me help you to the bathroom. You can help yourself after that right? Or...should I help you?
Eri: WHAT
Tei: Haha just joking ^_^ Anyway...that wouldn't solve anything.
Ah, Tei, you utter skeeve.
She checks her diary and it's back to normal. I check her diary in the sidebar and it's been a week since the dolls came to life. It mostly looks like I remember from other routes but there's the odd line like "I keep having weird dreams...I feel like I've been through something like this before."
Tei has created a huge spread of her favourite foods for breakfast, worried that Eri has looked tired and not been eating. She's been having nightmares that leave her dizzy and weak.
Red watches Eri smile at Tei as he wipes something off her face with a napkin.
Red: You smile more around the commander- do you like him?
Eri: NO???
Eri, internally: I mean, I do get butterflies around him, but...
She realises Tei is looking at her and becomes horribly embarrassed.
Where is this path going?? This is the SECOND SCENE.
Eri hears her phone ring and reaches into her pocket...and is shocked to find a new smartphone instead of the old flip-phone she's expecting. Everyone looks at her in confusion: doesn't she remember Yuri getting them all smartphones? She feels like her memory has gone blurry. But when everyone worries that she's sick she dismisses it, not wanting to worry everyone or stay home alone.
Tei, patting Eri's hair: Don't skip meals when I'm at work ok?
Eri: You're such a mom.
Me: Sometimes I feel like someone at Cheritz really wants to be writing weird yuri instead of weird het.
Me:...ok then
Tei: I just want to say...I know you've been lonely, and I can't really understand how you feel. But we're here now. I don't know why, but...I think it's because we didn't want you to be alone.
Him saying he "can't understand" makes me wonder how dolls feel about the concept of parents, and biological family.
In this timeline, Eri is supposedly a childhood friend of the dolls.
A girl gets jealous and Soi nudges Shinbi.
Shinbi: Why do you care so much about the HOT5...am I not enough for you? :(
Girl: Noooo Shinbi I love you ;_;
For the first time, a scene in Red and Tei's class!
A girl shyly asks Tei to come outside. The other boys sigh and explain to an oblivious Red that this is the fourth girl to ask Tei out that day.
Tei: You like me? Have we even met?
Girl: From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the prince I have always dreamed of.
Tei: So it's my looks :/
He's very nice about rejecting her, and she thinks he really is her perfect prince...until she bumps into Red, and decides he is.
Red mutters to himself that it's disloyal for Tei to meet women other than Eri. "It's ruining the teamwork of justice warriors!"
Drama club director: The bravery of mumbling to himself! The excuses he throws into the air! I'VE FOUND OUR NEW STAR
Red: Uh. You're weird and I'm kind of busy.
Director: Don't you want to be the brave warrior who defends the Earth?
Red: :O
Tei comes over to Eri at lunch and offers to push through the crowds to buy her lunch. She tries refusing, to avoid jealous watching girls getting angry, but "He's always gentle, but there's this energy about him that makes refusing impossible". Before she can eat they hear girls looking for him, and she has to leave.
Later, he brings back a cup of tea from work. The illustration has "Tei" written on a ceramic cup which is odd (I checked and the Korean for tea is "cha", also they have some wild sounding teas) He's a bit passive aggressive about how she said she'd come support him on his first day then didn't.
Haa, it's the famous ZZZ tea (everyone seems to have an associated food from Banjul: Yeonho is carrot cake, Lance is lemon tea, and Yuri is Secret Garden. Not sure about Red yet) He hopes it will help her sleep.
Tei: Are you ok? I couldn't help but see your diary.
Eri: AHHHH *shuts diary*
Tei: I wouldn't read it and couldn't if I wanted to. But...is your eyesight ok? Can you really read that?
Me: OH NO?
Eri: What?
Tei: ...never mind. Just go to sleep.
(The blurriness of her diary entries is never mentioned again? But I'm pretty sure that's what he was implying)
As she's falling asleep, she thinks about how nice Tei is and wonders if she likes him. But it's too complicated to think about, and she falls asleep.
Tei, whispering: Every time the cafe door opened I wondered if it was you. I'm fine. ...for now. Right?
Nameless: If I tear her diary for today her memory will disappear. It wasn't even an important day.
???: Stop playing around. I too covet the diary that holds your heroine's memories.
Oh man, IS RED NAMELESS?? I don't think so? But that would certainly be something /o\
Once again Eri is woken by Tei, and feels awful. He's been bringing her ZZZ tea for a week.
I CHECKED THE DIARY AND EVERYTHING BUT THE FIRST ENTRY IS GONE D: There are torn edges where the other pages used to be.
Soi texts Eri saying she's found out Tei works at Banjul and Eri thinks it's time she went there with Soi and Shinbi. She clearly didn't forget everything that happened on the days that have been removed.
Mr Yujin lecture! There are rumours he ate the science teacher.
Yujin: The looks you care about are nothing more than an empty shell that will rot away when you die. Studying is pointless, your brain is nothing but a blob of cells. The only thing that matters is what bones you leave when you die.
Student: But...we can't control our bones.
Yujin: Yes, your life is a failure from the day it begins. So live how you like. My Beatrice possesses beauty none of you failures will ever have.
Student: But wasn't she artificially constructed?
Yujin: Every bone is modelled on the most beautiful bones in all the world! She is like an impossible unicorn that cannot exist in real life.
Eri feels that she is the only person who understands: she likes dolls with faces that can't exist in real life.
Chapter: Banjul Again
They go to Banjul, and the staff all recognise Soi and Shinbi.
Eri: You've been here before? Why didn't you invite me?
Soi: ...you always said you were busy?
Eri : Why can't I remember?
Nameless: Because I tore it.
Manager Mr Hobin explains waiter Zion's backstory: he used to come to the cafe to look at the Hobin family harp, then one day Hobin found Zion standing in the rain outside, begging to be allowed to work there.
Zion is embarrassed by Hobin's story but swoons over the harp a little and Eri finds it endearing.
Tei arrives and beams when he sees Eri. She wants to beam back but people are watching. Soi gloats that her plan to get closer to Tei through Eri is working, but when faced with Tei becomes stuttering and shy.
Eri suddenly has a memory of Yeonho and the cat.
Eri: I feel dizzy and weird. That cat Mr Hobin's holding...I've seen it before.
She feels like something is flowing through her, and there's a storm is in her head. What she sees seems familiar yet strange. The memory of Yeonho and the cat doesn't feel like hers. So whose is it?
Worried, Shinbi and Soi take Eri outside, and she reassures them and goes home. As she's walking from the bus Tei runs up to her, having followed.
Eri: You all worry too much.
Tei: We worry because it's something to worry about! *he strokes her hair and looks into her eyes*
Me: Aww, Tei, if I didn't know you were a creep this would be really sweet
Tei: Is it because you're too innocent? You're too pure and sometimes look like you might break.
Me: There we go.
Once they get home Eri is too exhausted to write in her diary but is full of happy thoughts about how handsome Tei looked in his uniform. He comes in with ZZZ tea (nb she said the stuff from Banjul tasted a little different than the stuff he brews her at home HMMMM. Also I checked and she did write up this day in her diary and it's still there...for now...)
Eri: Thanks for caring for me every day. I want to do something for you.
Tei: Just smile the way you are now. It always makes me feel better, like I'm being purified. Like I'm being cleansed.
Cleansed of what, exactly, Tei...
Eri: You smile better than I do...
Tei, stepping back: Aren't you sleepy?
Eri: Huh, yeah, I am...
Tei: Go to bed. I'll stay with you until you fall asleep ^_^
Eri: Wait, you'll do wha...ZZZZZ
As she dozes off she sees his smile fade, and feels him rhythmically pat her.
She wakes to a white light filled with feathers. And then she sees a little girl, chasing after a taxi.
Child me: Mom, dad, don't go ;_;
But the taxi is too fast, and drives away.
*suddenly overcome by Eri feels*
Child me: Grandpa, I wrote in my diary every day to show them, but they left me :(
Granpa, stroking her hair: They didn't leave you, they just have to go somewhere for work. You're a good girl, you understand, right?
Eri: No! Mom and dad weren't even interested in my diary. I wanted to show them how I spend my days.
Grandpa: You're really upset, huh :( *takes something from his pocket*
Eri: Friend!
Grandpa: Yes, you forgot him while your parents were here.
The next morning she's too tired to get up so Tei puts her over his shoulder despite her protests and carries her to the bathroom. As someone with a fatigue disorder I should probably be more horrified and less into it but MOVING ON.
Eri: Don't you ever get tired of hitting on me?
Yuri: I'm not the sort to hide my true feelings. Unlike some people *stares pointedly at Tei*"
Me: *stares pointedly at Yuri path*
Ahaha so I knew the next choice was "take the bus with Tei" but how he frames it is "I haven't taken the bus before and might get confused". TEI.
Afaict Yuri goes on a mental journey of "OH NO SHE'S INTO TEI. I am both jealous and worried for her. But if I say anything he'll make me look like the bad guy" and so just grumbles and says "Call me if you ever get sick of him."
CG of Tei gently smiling as he rejects gifts from a gaggle of girls on the bus. Eri pretends not to know him until he manipulates the girls into getting on a different bus.
I am overall enjoying this game but I am sick of the way other girls at the school are written as this irritating, uniform mass of shallow bitchy rivals.
Soi: I want to see Tei in his uniform again...you guys do too, right?
Shinbi: I don't know about the uniform, but I like the cafe. The harp is cool.
*adds to the Evidence Shinbi is A Lesbian pile*
Eri feels like if Soi ever found out Eri lives with Tei, she would need ten more lives.
The music class door is packed with girls: Red and Tei's class is just leaving, while Lance and Yeonho's is coming in, so it's a rare chance to see all of HOT5 at once. As Eri tries to make her way through the crowd she is pushed and twists her ankle. Tei comes to help her up and Red runs over to check on her.
Eri: Helped by two of the HOT5 in front of a group of their fans. Hooray /o\
Yuri: Ugh, this teacher thing is too hard. Everyone, go to your classes! President, I'm taking her to the infirmary. Keep everyone quiet while I'm gone.
Soi: Thank you for taking care of her. OK EVERYONE GET TO YOUR CLASS.
Red: The infirmary? >:( That nurse tried to take my bones! She needs to go to hospital!
Yuri: He's weird but can deal with a sprained ankle. And the school will get into trouble if a student is sent to the hospital. Tei, get Red out of here, your class is over.
I think this may be the first real appearance of serious!Yuri outside his path. Afterwards Soi and Shinbi check she's ok, and say that Lance defended her when people got weird after she left.
Red and Yuri send caring texts, and Yeonho walked to the pharmacy to get her stuff. Eri remembers having to take care of herself after her grandpa died, but now she's got a family to take care of her.
Eri: I want to thank whoever made the dolls human ^_^
Me: I'm not sure you do...
Nameless: She's thanking you hahaha :D
Yeonho comes in to wish her goodnight and she realises she's a little disappointed it's not Tei. She wants to go to bed early but can't sleep so goes to make some ZZZ. Just as she's unsuccessfully searching the kitchen Tei comes home.
Tei: I'll make you some ^_^
Eri: Oh no, just tell me where the tea leaves are and I'll do it.
Tei: No, I'll bring it to your room ^_^
Eri: I want to drink it in your room (the library) today. Yuri's not home yet, and I feel like I'll fall asleep if I read one of grandpa's books. Is that ok?
Tei: ...yes. I'll bring it to my room ^_^
Me, remembering what happened the last time Tei got Eri alone and sleepy in his room: D:
She looks at all her grandpa's books, and then at Tei's neatly organised things and Yuri's flashy fashion items hung everywhere.
Eri: No wonder they don't get along. I wish I could blend half and half of them.
Me: *waggles eyebrows at that one "bad" end*
Tei: Half and half of what?
And then she ANSWERS HONESTLY and even Tei can't hide how horrified he is at the idea. But then he apologises, saying he blames himself for her being hurt and they should keep their distance in public.
Eri says she'll miss talking to him and Tei is pleased, but reassures her he'll treat her the same when they're alone.
Eri: Haha, I'm so tired, you didn't spike this tea with a sleeping pill did you ;)
Tei: Well... ;) Can you make it to your room?
Eri: Yeah, I'll be fine. Good night!
Tei, muttering to himself: I'm sorry. I have to protect you from all dangers. Especially...from me.
I am shipping this a little harder than I am entirely comfortable with.
Chapter: Stolen Harp
Flashback:
Mr Hobin: You're very good. Is this really your first time?
Tei: It is my first time but I'm planned out to be good at making coffee. I look forward to working Here.
Mr Hobin: ...planned out?
Zion: Just hire him! It's too hard for me by myself!
Zion and Hobin bicker and Tei mutters to himself that it's like being around Lance and Red.
Tei: I'm busy, Lance can you accompany the owner on the bus?
Eri, thinking: He didn't ask my opinion :/ I can go by myself.
Yuri: Darling~ you can always return to my limo~
Lance: Do I have to go with her?
Tei: I won't force you. Oh, have you guys heard there's criminals around here attacking girls?
Lance: Fine. I'll just walk her to the bus station.
Tei: Better go with Lance if you don't want to be attacked ^_^
How much do I love that Tei consistently refers to Eri as "the owner" to the other dolls. SO MESSED UP.
On the walk Lance says he respects Tei...especially for being able to put up with Red and Yuri.
Eri gets called to the infirmary. Yujin demands she "take it off" and she is shocked when she realises he's not sexually harassing her but is in fact being the school nurse and looking after her injury. He mutters about "that delinquent music teacher and his two idiot students" forcing him, especially "that sneaky one with the brown hair" but refuses to elaborate.
Eri, clutching his clothes, knowing he hates human contact: Please! I'll let you go if you tell me.
Yujin: Ugh! He said he, with his perfect bones, would become a specimen for my next experiment if I checked on your ankle. But he tricked me! There will be no next experiment!
Eri: How could he trick you with his bones?
Yujin: You really are clueless about that boy aren't you?
Soi asks Eri to come to Banjul and she wonders if this counts as "keeping her distance" from Tei. But when they get there they're distracted by Zion curled up in the corner looking like he wants to cry: the harp has been stolen, and Zion's the most obvious suspect since Mr Hobin's away and (only?) Zion had the key.
Soi looks at Zion with worry, grabs her phone, and says she's going to find someone who can provide a harp. Eri worries about him to Tei, and Tei asks how she can be so sure he's innocent.
Eri: Look at that face he's making: it's the face I saw in the mirror when grandpa died.
Tei: I think the real reason you trust him is that you have a good, innocent heart.
That night she stays up to see Tei when he gets back from work, still worried, and he tells her to stop worrying about a stranger and get rest. She feels bad for bugging him, and picks up his stuff to put it in his room...only to discover a key to Banjul in his jacket. OooOOoooh.
So my choices are "sneak out to Banjul" and "ask Tei to go to Banjul with me". The latter apparently leads to a bad end lol. All the other choices so far have been super obvious "be nice to Tei" stuff.
OH ERI HONEY. She doesn't even think to suspect Tei, she just thinks this is a perfect opportunity to look for clues and watch for the criminal returning to the scene of the crime.
She pretends to go to sleep, waits for Tei's light to go out, then sneaks out to Banjul. And then she hears someone approaching...
Eri: AAAAAAHHHHH *punch* ...wait, Tei?
Tei, shaking: Thank God you're ok. Something terrible could have happened to you!
Eri, feeling like an ass: I'm sorry. I just...wanted to find some clues...
Tei: Is Zion really that important to you? If something happened to you here I'd...go crazy.
She realises he's terrified, and on the verge of tears. She apologises again and holds his large, trembling hand in her own.
And then he makes her "his own special ZZZ". He sits next to her and puts his head on her shoulder (or, according to the CG, her head on his shoulder) To cover her embarrassment Eri babbles.
Eri: Haha I feel like we're on a date.
Tei: Should we really go on a date next time?
Eri: You said we should keep our distance in public. I don't mind, but you worried about what might happen to me.
Tei, stroking her hair: I'm sorry, I've been human a while but I don't think I've brought you any happy memories.
Eri: That's not true. There have been troubles but I'm so happy and thankful for you guys.
Tei, softly: I'm glad.
Eri: What about you? Are you happy?
Tei: ...
She stands up to look at him and he suddenly pulls her into a tight embrace.
Tei: I'm so happy it scares me. If this is a dream...I can sleep forever. Every time I say your name and you turn around, it feels like a miracle.What should I do with you? I can't get you out of my head.
She feels herself falling asleep, sure he's saying something important that she can't quite hear.
Tei: What should I do? Will I be able to protect you forever?
She wakes up the next morning at Banjul. Mr Hobin arrives but accepts Tei's excuses for Eri's presence. Then Zion arrives and throws himself into Mr Hobin's arms, saying he'll pay for the harp and begging not to be kicked out.
...and then someone comes to return the harp, which Mr Hobin had forgotten to tell them was being repaired. SORRY FOR SUSPECTING YOU, TEI. I GUESS.
Mr Hobin: An instrument's like a person, it's important to be touched. Come Zion, play it, it'll sound much nicer now. Are you lost for words at what a generous manager I am? ^_^
Zion: AAAAHHHHHHH >:(
Chapter: For Tei
Nameless: *rip* This part's no fun. She said she'd write every day to show her parents. But you forgot the promise you made to me...
*checks the diary* Ack all but the first entry and the most recent 1.5 entries are gone /o\
Yuri bugs Eri about not taking the limo and she silently thinks about how Tei insisted.
At school, Soi refers to Shinbi as "like family" and Eri feels a little jealous.
Eri is overcome by darkness and then white light as Nameless gloats. We see a memory of Soi and Shinbi telling a dopey Eri about Banjul.
Eri comes to with a blinding headache. She doesn't want to go home and worry everyone, and despite Soi and Shinbi's worry says she'll just go to the infirmary and get some pills. But it's locked with a note saying to go to the pharmacy.
She's thinking about what a weird school this is when the Principal comes along and gives her tickets to the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL, remembering how happy she was when she went with her grandpa.
There's a flashback to "child me" promising the attendant to hold on tight. Eri has a vague memory of complaining about something at the park but not what. And then she realises her headache is gone.
Soi: Let me set you up a Twinter account!
Eri: What's Twinter?
Me: Ugh, the obligatory, irrelevant "Eri gets twitter" scene.
Shinbi: It's like a public diary
Me: OH NO
Eri: What would post on a public diary?
Shinbi: Well, Soi gushes about her secret desires.
Soi: It's my noble hobby!
Shinbi: It's pictures you took secretly. Including one of me.
Soi: Ahaha you saw that huh >.>
Eri invites them to the park but they're busy. She decides her best option is to invite Red and Tei.
Except Red is busy. So she gets up the courage to ask Tei, but he says he's too busy with work.
Yuri, snatching a ticket from her hand: Ok, I'll go on a date with you :D
Tei: *twitch* >:(
Going back to her room, Eri notices the headache is back. Tei bombards her with questions about when the headache started/other symptoms etc. He asks if she's really planning on going with Yuri. Eri isn't looking forward to Yuri's "jokes" but prefers it to going alone or throwing the tickets away.
Tei: Is the amusement park that important to you?
The next morning Yuri says they should go to the park in the morning to avoid harsh sun on his delicate skin. Eri sadly ponders that she won't get to go on many rides, and wishes she could go with Tei. She hasn't seen him much at school lately, and the rest of the time he's always busy with work or housework.
At school she sits in a half empty classroom with a bunch of boys and a few girls, as everyone else has run outside to greet the limousine. Soi smugly watches her "competitors" fail and Eri wonders if she'll ever actually ask Tei out.
Have I mentioned this game has the sort of terrible diet talk I am used to from shoujo? Because ugh.
Anyway! Eri goes to the roof to eat her lunch in peace and bumps into Tei sitting in a shady spot. Tei invites her to sit next to him. She enjoys the chance to spend time alone together.
And then I get the choice "Do you want to go to the amusement park" and "it's nothing" and the walkthrough says choose the second? I guess...cos he already said no?? *makes a new save to be on the safe side*
Tei: You have memories of your grandfather other than the amusement park, right? Is the amusement park memory special?
Eri: I do, but...yes.
Tei: Then do you want to go to the amusement park with me?
Eri: !!!! Um. But I already promised Yuri.
Tei: You'd rather go with Yuri? :/
Eri: NO!!!
Tei: So you hate Yuri :D
Eri: No, I...
Tei: I hear people coming, I should go ^_^
TEI
I checked the Tei chapter list and I've seen four out of 16?? *stares at the novel above* The others all had 9 unique good end chapters and 2-3 bad end chapters, but also shared 4 common route chapters.
I'm getting tired and should go to sleep but the next choice on the walkthrough is "I don't care that you're damaged" and I reaaallly want to know the context.
*is my own Tei and sends myself to bed*
*is my own Nameless and wakes up at 2am with a random anxiety attack*
It's Saturday and Eri still isn't sure who's taking her to the amusement park.
Tei: Wake up! Time to get ready for the amusement park!
Eri: But...work? and Yuri?
Tei: I ditched work and plans changed. Why, are you disappointed? :(
Eri: No! (If "plans changed" he could have told me before)
Tei: Then get up, sleepy princess. Or do you need me to help you to the bathroom again ;)
Tei you creepy, condescending, manipulative ass.
She sees Yuri looking sulky.
Yuri: I'm giving up for today, so don't let him bore you too much. I'll give you a ten times better experience next time.
Eri: What did you and Tei talk about?
Tei: I begged to be able to take you. *whispering into her ear* When I heard how precious the place was to you, I really wanted to go.
Eri has butterflies, but when she tries to apologise to Yuri, Tei's all TIME TO GO.
I'm glad that Yuri didn't turn out to be misunderstood: he's basically as selfish and shallow as he appears (while legitimately caring about Eri and to some extent the others), he's just also right about Tei being worse.
Chapter: Theme park
Flashback:
Grandpa: Are you tired? Tell me when you want me to carry it for you.
Child me: He's my friend, so I have to be the one to carry him.
Grandpa: Ok. Then let's go to the amusement park!
From the first bad end I've been thinking Nameless got lost and forgotten at the amusement park, but then what about the Doll In Storage?
Eri is overcome by how much she is enjoying holding Tei's hand.
Me: Aww
Tei: I like that you're so happy but I might have to look for you in the lost children center if you space out like that ;)
Me: Ahahaha /o\
It was about this point that I realised how much Tei reminds me of my indescribably awful abusive ex-boyfriend but that's....not making me not ship it? *tilts head at my emotional reactions and carries on*
Eri notices how much smaller and cuter the merry go round looks now she's grown.
As Tei helps her get onto a horse she hears Nameless's voice talking about the ride spinning around and around.
Tei: Hold tight and put on your seatbelt. I'm your guardian today so listen to me little Eri ^_^ *playfully strokes her hair*
Text does not get across how brightly condescending his voice is. He really does sound like a mother and it's creepy as hell. Much creepier than Yuri's I'm your teacher~ thing which felt more like ironic sexy roleplay. I mean, I'm sure this is all sexy to Tei...
Eri hears Nameless's voice, flinches, and gets goosebumps. Tei notices she's a bit dazed but she feels like something scary will happen if she says it out loud. He sits them on a bench and rests her head in his lap.
She's a little embarrassed, but enjoys knowing he cares so much about her.
Eri: You know, I'm glad I bid on you in that auction. I was so excited I could barely click!
Tei: ...you didn't mind that I was damaged?
She remembers being surprised that he had damage on his knee.
Choices: "It didn't matter that you were damaged" and ",ed you'd have been too expensive and I wouldn't have bee" which is what happens when people are too lazy to adapt their UI for a less compact language.
Tei: Why didn't you mind? Was it because I was a limited edition?
Eri: Because I was attracted to you. Something drew me to you, the moment I saw you I knew you had to be mine.
Eri: (Oh god I sound like a male lead in a soap opera.)
Tei: ...aren't I dirty?
Eri: No you were really clean?
Tei: That's not...never mind.
There's some VERY BAD PLACES this could go. Used goods/Trauma survivor -> yandere is an unfortunate pattern.
Eri asks Tei about his previous owner and he avoids the question and then says "She...was someone who cared for me." It occurs to Eri that she was probably the one who damaged him.
Girl: Is that Tei? But that girl...are you on a date? D:
Tei: No, this girl fainted from the heat. I'm taking her to the first aid station.
Girl: Do you have to go right away?
Tei: She's sick. BYE.
But the girls follow. Tei gets them to run and then hide on the ferris wheel. Eri is more freaked out by the height than she expected, and Tei offers to sit next to her if she wants.
Eri: I feel like it'll be less scary if you're by my side.
Tei: You're being pretty honest today. If you keep being this cute...*mutter*I'll get greedy*mutter*
Then he asks if he should quit the school: he worries that the girls around him have the worst sorts of emotions and might hurt Eri. His shadowed face is full of shame.
Tei: People who have certain feelings can detect others who feel the same. I saw in their eyes...the desire to hurt someone. I know those eyes...very well. I don't want them to hurt you.
Eri says she doesn't want Tei to sacrifice his happiness at school for her. He leans over and hugs her, burying his head in her hair. Her heart is pounding and she can't think.
Tei: I want to be the one to protect you, but...sometimes I can't even handle myself, Eri. You have no idea how worried I was when you left the house. I hated Zion because I thought it was all his fault. And you keep being sick...
He's crushing her so hard she can't breathe, and she has to beat her arms against him to get free. He apologises and after that is a little distant.
At home, Tei doesn't bring Eri tea. She notices her diary feels weirdly light.
Chapter: Premium Limited Edition: Tei
Flashback:
Crobidoll: I'm sorry Miss but since this doll was limited edition, you can get a refund but we can't exchange parts.
Eri is woken by Yeonho.
Red: Commander, you went to the amusement park with heroine? I thought you weren't going to.
Tei: It just happened ^_^
Yuri: Ha! The previous night he threatened-
Tei: Want a dressing for your salad? We have some expired milk ^_^
Yuri: ...anyway, my honey, you have to go on a date with me next. Discrimination is not allowed.
Eri makes excuses for not catching the limo, and catches the bus with Yeonho since his fans are less scary. He's had trouble studying and Lance dismissed him but Tei explained things patiently.
Yeonho: I admire Tei, he's good at studying and cooking and so kind...but the girls who like him are scary.
A girl deliberately bumps into Eri and tells her she's nothing. Later, Soi pulls Eri aside.
Soi: Did you go to the amusement park with Tei? How could you betray me like this?
Yeonho: Oh are you talking about how I invited Tei to the amusement park, but I couldn't go, so Eri filled in for me?
Eri is confused until Yeonho winks at her. I'm sorry for thinking you were the dumb one, Yeonho.
After Soi leaves, Shinbi tells Eri she needs to be more careful.
At lunch Red drags her to the roof to eat lunch with him and Tei, then leaves.
Tei: Just bread? Eat something healthier!
Eri: Yes Mom :P
Tei: ...is that what I am to you?
Eri: Um...
Tei: I'm not hungry, you can have the rest. Bye.
She ponders sadly that he's trying to protect her but making her unhappy in the process. Soi asks her to come to Banjul but she's tired and doesn't want to face Tei, so says no.
On the way home Eri bumps into Zion carrying two big bags of cat food for Mr Hobin. He says Yuri asked him to demonstrate the harp at her school. Then he realises he's about to miss a sale at the market and asks if she can carry the cat food to the cafe.
Hobin: Ah, that boy, being the mom again. And making a customer do his work!
Tei arrives and stares at Eri in surprise. She attempts to leave.
Hobin: Tei! That naughty cat was very rude to her. Take her to that table and make her some tea as an apology.
But Tei softly tells her it's not safe and she should leave, pushing her out the door. BUT OH LOOK IT'S SOI UURRRGH JEALOUSY PLOT BLAAAHHHH
Tei sits them together and Soi's a bit dubious at Eri's explanation. But then she talks about how she's never felt about anyone like she does about Tei, and asks Eri to help hit on Tei for her. Eri feels a weird mix of jealousy, guilt and secret pride to know that Tei likes her more.
Looking at the next few choices...is Tei going to date Soi?? D: D:
Girls: We saw you two "hogging" Tei. Never come to Banjul again!
Eri: Uh...
Soi: Ha! He's not your property. It's not my fault you're not good enough to have a chance with him. Why don't you put your effort into becoming someone Tei can AT LEAST remember the faces of.
Soi cuts the girls off every time they try to argue back. Tei appears and they run off and Soi gets shy.
Tei: I'm sorry about those girls. Does this sort of thing happen often?
Eri: No, everything's fine!
Soi: Sometimes, but it's not your fault. And I'm not like those other girls!
Chapter: Broken Heart
Flashback:
Eri opens doll!Tei's box and is amazed at how new he looks.
Eri: Hello Tei, nice to meet you. I'm your new owner. I'm so lucky to have you!
Flashback to Yuri confronting Tei.
Yuri: She's not just your owner. She's our master too. You don't want to stop being the Prince who's nice to everyone but you don't want anyone else to touch her? Aren't you being selfish?
Me: *looks significantly at Yuri path*
Yuri mutters to himself that he'll never understand a gloomy, twisted mind like Tei's.
At school, Soi drags Eri through the crowd of girls around Tei's class at recess, and Eri falls and scrapes her knees. Tei just walks past, ignoring the visible blood.
Soi: You're bleeding! You should go to the infir-...wait no >.>
Time for Zion's harp recital! The girls swoon over Zion, including Soi, who says he's like a cute little cat she wants to tease.
Boy: I like recitals but when will we learn some theory? Exams are soon...
Yuri: Petty worldly values!
Eri is called to the infirmary. When she gets there she's greeted by Tei, who sits her down and treats her knee.
Tei: Will it scar? ...you're not like me, you have to stay clean.
Creepy music plays. He pokes the centre of the scratch and Eri has to remove his hand to stop him hurting her.
Tei: It drives me mad. When I see you hurt like this...I want to hurt you too.
Eri: Tei? You're scaring me.
Tei, trembling: Please. Get out of here while I'm still sane.
Eri, now worried for him instead of scared: What's wrong?
But he just leaves.
Tei mutters to himself. "What I have I done? Trying to hurt her...I should distract myself, and stay away from her...when I can control myself."
Just as Eri is wondering if Tei wanting to hurt her means he hates her, her phone rings.
Soi: Friend, please forgive me for going down the path to adulthood without you...but I'M DATING TEI :D :D
Eri: D: D:
Me: D: D:
Eri bumps into Yuri as she's miserably limping out the school gate. He very nicely offers to take her shopping to cheer her up. Her head hurts, and she has a memory of going shopping with him from the Yuri path.
Nameless: Don't you remember playing Cinderella? But this is already a lost memory.
And then she wakes from having fainted. A concerned Yuri take her home. Aw, Yuri, for all your flaws, you really are a better person than Tei.
Tei: So, I hear you girls are my fan club? Was it you who made that girl from class N trip? I didn't think anyone around me would be so nasty.
Girls: ;_;
Tei, coldly: Making that face won't change anything. Go tell the fan club I don't want to see any of you any more. If anything like this happens again I will make sure to get even with every one of you.
Chapter: Yuri's Advice
1st owner: He's limited edition so I should be careful. I should keep him in his box to stay clean. Nobody loves you or touches you but me. Ah, my perfect flawless angel, Tei.
The surprised dolls gossip about Tei dating Soi.
Red: So you like her?
Tei: I needed a change in my life.
Yuri: So you're using her. I feel sorry for her.
Me too, Yuri ;_;
Eri: So you're really seeing Soi?
Tei: Finish your breakfast. *leaves*
Eri is heartbroken. "Why do I feel so empty when two people I love are happy?"
Yuri: *glaring at the door* Guys like him don't know how to be thankful even if you care about them.
He invites her to go with him to the amusement park after exams and she agrees.
Soi: Hello single friend ;) Have you heard that Tei broke up his fan club for me? :D
Eri: Yay :(
Shinbi: Drink *hands her strawberry milk*
Soi: I guess he isn't the sort to be very expressive...he barely spoke to me at Banjul yesterday...
Soi begs Eri to come to Banjul with her: she still feels awkward around Tei alone.
Shinbi, stroking Eri's hair: If you feel awkward alone how will you date?
Soi: That's...I'll come up with what to do after I choose my outfit!
Eri miserably tries to help the awkward couple talk.
Eri: So I hear you guys are going on a date?
Tei: *bored nod*
Eri: The clothes Soi has picked out are really pretty!
Soi: *dazzled nod*
Tei: Actually...something came up and I have to cancel, sorry. Raincheck?
Soi, softly: Yeah, okay.
Soi: What do you think when you see me and Tei?
Eri: (AHHHH) I...think you...suit each other??
Soi: I feel like there's an invisible wall. Am I expecting too much? How can I make him happy?
Eri realises she has more of what Soi wants with Tei than Soi does. Eri suggests giving a heartfelt gift, but wishes she could just run away from all of this. Heading home, she is overcome by the awareness of what she has always known: she likes Tei.
Yeonho: EXAMS D:
Shinbi: Calm down, chick. It's too late for worry. There's only one thing left.
Yeonho, clutching her: What?
Shinbi: The method students have used since ancient times: Guessing.
Lance: >:(
I'm there waiting for the exam to start all tense for the fast paced questions. And then... "The proctor walked in"
Yuri: Everyone in your seats. I have something to do this afternoon so be quick.
Me: SPECIFICALLY, YOU HAVE A DATE WITH ONE OF THEM, YOU SKEEVE.
Afterwards Soi gives Eri a cute little bag and card to give to Tei. Eri says the whole point is for Soi to give it, but Soi begs until she agrees.
Eri trips on the way to Tei's classroom and hurts the same knee. He curtly tells her to go to the roof then goes back inside, and she limps up feeling very sorry for herself.
He just stares at the gift, not taking it, and in that moment she hates him.
Eri: It's from Soi. Take it! I'm done here.
But he grabs her as she's leaving.
Tei: What happened to your knee?
Eri: I was distracted and tripped. Can you let me go?
She's waiting for Yuri to pick her up when Tei runs up and demands to know why she gave him the gift.
Eri: You think I wanted to? If you want to judge me for following a friend's request go ahead.
And then Yuri shows up and she gets into the limo without hesitation.
Yuri quietly takes her to the amusement park. Eri realises that lately he's been taking care of her the way Tei used to.
Eri: You're not playing around today, it's weird.
Yuri: It's better not to touch a girl who likes someone else. Don't be gloomy, my honey. He was always a bit twisted.
Me: Aww
Yuri: I feel sorry for your class president who's dating him. Her bust size is way too good for Tei.
Eri and me: YOU PERV
Eri is glad to be able to talk about her feelings at last.
Eri: Why is he being so distant?
Yuri: If I tell you I'm helping him...But I don't want to see you sad, so: he doesn't want you to be hurt. If you really want it, take it. Be honest. Maybe he'll change for you.
The next choice is "Push Tei away" and I thought maybe he'd hit on her and she'd have to be like "No, you're dating Soi" AHAHAHA.
Eri falls asleep and is woken by Nameless's voice. She sees Tei in her room.
Tei, in a soft, affectionate voice: You fell asleep in the middle of writing your diary. Is anything bothering you? Tell me and I'll do anything I can do to help.
She feels like if she doesn't reach for him he'll disappear. So she reaches for him...and he fades away??
She wakes in the library. There is a steaming cup of tea next to her. Tei comes in and says the tea is for her, so she drinks it. But he refuses to answer her questions about how she ended up there.
Tei, darkly: Did you have fun today?
Eri: Yeah! (I should follow Yuri's advice and be honest) So, Tei...
But then he pushes her against the couch.
Tei, voice shaking: What exactly did you do with Yuri?
Eri: Urk! Tei!
Tei: I knew it! If I didn't touch you, didn't hurt you, someone else would. I should have made you mine even though I don't deserve you!
Eri: Tei, let me go :(
Tei: I can't. A good girl stays quiet. My owner is a good girl. That's why I couldn't...I'd rather make you dirty myself than let someone else take you away. Since it's already happened, I'll show you the real me. Be as scared as you can possibly be, so you can't think of anyone else.
...not sure I'm ever going to be up for what happens if you choose "Accept Tei".
*chooses "Push Tei away"*
Eri: I don't understand what you're saying. I don't understand anything you've done lately, and I won't understand unless you tell me. Please, don't become a stranger to me.
Tei: ...you don't know anything about me.
Eri: You're right. But I'll stay by your side until I do.
He hugs her and she hears his breaths slowly calm down.
Tei: I'm sorry, Eri. Sleep, and when you wake, I'll explain.
She cries and falls asleep in his arms.
Tei mutters to himself, horrified: What if I eventually do hurt you? But I love you so much I can't handle it. What should I do?
Chapter: Festival
1st owner: Tei, you're clean and perfect today as always. Being dirty is bad. That's when you get scratched or your colour changes. That's betraying your owner. But that will never happen to you in this box. As long as you're clean we can stay together forever.
Nameless rips more pages.
Eri wakes in her own bed, feeling headachey and strange. Tei has cooked a fancy breakfast and doesn't meet her eyes. He gives her a headache pill "like yesterday" and she realises it's two days later than she thought, somehow.
At school Soi keeps sighing, and says they should eat lunch on the roof.
Soi: *sigh* I should break up with Tei...I think I'm going to cry so I'm going to stuff my mouth with bread.
Shinbi: Drink water too.
Eri, feeling guilty: ...
Soi: Eri, if anything gets tough, talk to us.
At home, Yuri flirtatiously asks Eri to hang out with him in the afternoon of tomorrow's festival. Tei breaks a fork in two. Eri is baffled as to why Tei is angry at Yuri and says yes to the date??? ERI.
Eri: Tei, what do you think of Soi?
Tei: She's a good friend...I should get a new fork.
Eri tries to fill in her missing memories with her diary but there's nothing for the last two days. Just as she notices some tear marks, Tei comes in with tea.
Eri: Seriously, what do you think of Soi?
Tei: Oh, she just dumped me ^_^
We see Soi telling Shinbi that she really liked Tei, but he never looked at her the way he looked at Eri. Eri matters to her as much as she likes Tei, and she doesn't want to lose that friendship over someone who doesn't even care. "I want her to be friends with her forever. She's the only person I've thought that about except you." Shinbi is calmly comforting.
Soi ;_;
Happy scene as Eri describes the school's historic festival! RAPE ATTEMPT WHAT RAPE ATTEMPT.
Soi is semi-successfully pretending to be happy. Shinbi pokes her and she tells Eri that she broke up with Tei. "Friendship trumps love. Hoes before bros!"
Lance is still complaining that the end of Red's play is obscene, haha.
Eri asks Yeonho for her future fortune. Aww, Soi's diary unlocked, it's going to be sad :(
Yeonho: This is odd, it's about your past. "Until your heart is whole, you will fall down the cliff and return to the past". Um. I'M SURE IT'LL BE FINE.
Eri asks to do him a favour in payment, and he tells her to be happy.
Eri meets with Yuri.
Yuri: I'm so sick of how lukewarm that boy is. He refuses to pull the trigger.
Me: LUKEWARM IS NOT THE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND.
Yuri flirts with Eri but is just doing it to make Tei jealous because HE APPARENTLY WANTS TO BE MURDERED.
Tei punches Yuri, grabs Eri's wrist, and pulls her out of the room towards the roof.
Tei: I'm sorry for startling you. I don't know where to begin...
Eri: Are you going to apologise to Yuri?
Tei: :/
Eri: >:(
Tei: ...I'll think about it after I find out what really happened.
She persuades him that nothing happened, and he apologises for what happened in the library. She asks why he wanted to hurt her, and called himself dirty.
Tei says his owner only took him out of his box once a day. In a lonely, bitter voice, he says he was happy because he got to see her smile.
Tei: Her obsession for me staying clean was like a spell. But one day I realised...it was a curse.
A small child found his box and he was afraid, silently calling for his owner to come save him. But she just screamed. She kept muttering that she'd make him clean again but when that failed she cried and shouted at him for being dirty. He hated and blamed himself. And then she sold him.
So on a literal level this is a bit Toy Story but on a metaphorical level it feels like rape and my brain is having trouble reconciling the two. The unfortunate implications are...ah, let's not even go there. The whole first owner=mother thing certainly...says some things about the Lance path. ANYWAY.
Tei: And then you greeted me and smiled, and I sensed that no matter how dirty I am, you'd be able to accept me. You were my sun, my world, my god in my tiny world. I became human, and I could touch you like this...I was raptured. But I keep having bad thoughts.
I wanted to touch you, and my scar reminded me why I should not. That's why I started working, to keep myself busy, but it didn't work. Fearful thoughts overtook me, from the darkest parts of my mind. I thought...if you were ruined like me, I could reach you. I knew I should never hurt you, but I kept wanting to. Even though bad things happened as you got closer, I circled around you never giving up these feelings. I tried to protect you, I saw your friend and ignored you but...I still ended up hurting you. Can you forgive me?
Eri doesn't answer, coming to terms with the fact that he knew how unhappy she was all this time.
Tei: You should abandon me. But know that noone loves you more than I do.
"You can destroy me" vs "You are not dirty"
*makes another save I may never have the courage to reopen, and picks option 2*
Eri: I like you just as you are, right now. By my side.
Tei, sounding small and scared: Really? I'm not scary or repulsive? What if I end up hurting you?
Eri: Then I'll get over it. There might be scars, but I'll get over them and forget about them. Trust me and I'll trust you too. I'm your owner and you're my doll. And since...I really like you.
Tei steps closer, his face full of excitement and his voice is shaking with tears.
Tei: Does that mean, you're letting me...
She nods and he kisses her.
I have VERY COMPLEX FEELINGS.
Also omg I was curious and checked and this is currently at TEN THOUSAND WORDS. I may have to do some trimming /o\ EDIT: After much editing it's now...down to 9K. OH WELL.
Chapter: Performance
Nameless: Such a greedy girl. It seems not much time is left, so I'll just watch. Since I'm a "good person" just like you.
OH HEY ERI'S TERRIBLE PARENTS I FORGOT ABOUT YOU
Eri describes her mother's voice as "strange and familiar at the same time", and after the phonecall she is left tired, like a memory from another world.
URGH Eri is vague about who she's going to dinner with FOR NO REASON despite Tei's VERY CLEAR jealousy issues. I mean Eri should be allowed to hang out with whoever she wants, but she wasn't this vague any other time so it feels contrived. And Yeonho managed to get murderously jealous even knowing it was her parents! (...self this is not an argument for Yeonho as Best Boy)
Someone needs to hand Eri a "Dummy's Guide to Dating a Yandere". I hope she gets a better grasp of him by the end of the path, she obviously knows he has the POTENTIAL for darkness but she doesn't seem aware of how much his possessive, manipulative tendencies motivate his seemingly kind actions.
Yuri continues to poke Tei and Tei continues to passive aggressively mess with his breakfast. But they seem to have mostly worked things out.
Haaa Yeonho is about to go to school with Eri, and Tei frowns, I was worried he'd be jealous but instead he distracts Yeonho with cookies.
Eri: Aww, Tei's like a big brother to Yeonho <3
Me: Eri you are SUCH A DUMBASS
Tei: So let's go ^_^ *escapes with Eri before Yeonho can return*
OK PHEW. So he "straightens her ribbon" (eg makes an excuse to touch her) and asks again who she's going to dinner with, and she tells him. His tone is less intensely parental but still a bit condescending.
Soi cheerfully teases Eri about Tei, and Eri is glad she's recovered, and grateful for what a good friend Soi is. AWWWW and then Soi gives Eri the AMUSEMENT PARK TICKETS OF EVIL because she won them in a competition she entered...back when she was thinking of bringing Tei.
Soi: To thank me you can set me up on a blind date ;)
Tei comes to Eri's classroom saying he wanted to see her and Eri feels her whole face heat up.
Soi: Hey cockroaches, how about you stop touching antennae in front of the classroom? Your cheesiness is blinding my eyes.
Tei: Then close your eyes ;P
Soi and Tei have a cheerfully bantery friendship now, and agree she will find someone way better than him. AW. And then Tei asks to speak to Soi and Shinbi alone and Eri and I are VERY CONFUSED??
Eri's mother worries about whether Eri is eating right etc then apologises for nagging, just like Tei, lolll. She worries that Eri is lonely, Eri is grateful for their concern and reassures them that she has overcome it her own way. Her parents have a little trouble with the idea of (as far as they know, non-sentient) dolls keeping her happy, but are actually pretty supportive and caring this time around. She opens up to them more and they talk for hours.
I'm not sure how I feel about the most screwed up and abusive love interest having the least screwed up and most innocently oblivious Eri but it is what it is.
Tei rings as she's leaving and she apologises but he says he's glad she talked to her parents and will see her at Banjul. When she gets there it's dark and past closing but the light turns on and....
Zion: Time for the special concert!
Me: ...well played, game, that is not what I was expecting.
Eri is seated with Red, Lance, Yeonho and Yuri. But where is Tei? Then she hears a piano playing and the lights reveal Tei and Zion performing a duet. Her eyes meet Tei's and it's all incredibly romantic. But then Nameless speaks and she sees white feathers floating in the air. Is this a dream?
Tei comes to her and puts her hands on his heart, saying how much he loves her and how he belongs to her. Will she accept him?
SO, YES, OBVIOUSLY. WHAT AM I, A MONSTER?
Eri is incredibly happy, and thinks back over how happy she's been not just with Tei, but the dolls in general. There's a sort of finality to it that makes me feel like Red's route is going to be something quite different.
And then Soi comes out, grumbling about all the work she did because Tei asked so desperately, and a little confused as to why he talked about "being taken out of a box" lol. She and Shinbi refer to themselves as "bridesmaids" and this all feels very wedding-ish.
Apparently Yuri taught Tei to play piano??? ;_;
Soi and Zion swap diet tips then she corners him to touch his green eyelashes. I think a subby boy she can boss around will make her much happier :)
Tei comes in with a special blend of ZZZ he made just for her.
Tei: But it's not free. I'll sacrifice anything for you, but not when there's something I want from you. *moves the tea so she doesn't spill it*
Eri, heart beating: What do you want?
Tei: To whine about how lonely I've been today.
Eri: Can I at least drink the tea?
Tei: If you insist. *takes a sip of tea then kisses her* How is it?
Eri: Pretty special :)
tei: I could reach out and break you but I don't want to. If I hurt you, you'd remember me more. But I won't be that greedy. I want to see you smile.
He whispers that he loves her and it fades to black.
...congratulations to Tei, I guess, for having the least AND most rapey sex scenes.
Chapter: Christmas with Tei
A letter from Crobidoll: they now offer the ability to replace parts for discontinued models, including Tei's.
Tei looks thoughtful then asks Eri how she feels about the scratch on her smartphone. She talks about how it reminds her of all the happy times she's had.
Tei: I don't want the scar to fade away. It's not so bad to change. I had a hard time because of the scar, but I'm stronger for it now. I look at it and remember how I have changed. It's how I met you.
*is possibly sniffling a little shut up*
They tease each other in a cute way at the amusement park.
CLOSING CREDITS. Red and Tei's song, it's...ok. Also was that a CG of Eri working as a waiter at Banjul??
The machine only spits out one ticket for the merry go round and Tei insists she go by herself.
Nameless: Was this time fun for you? Sadly this wasn't it for me. But just keep treading on the path that leads you to me.
Everything goes purple and Eri cries out for Tei.
THE END
My brain: Well that was fucked up.
My dumbass emotions: He loved her so much ;_;
There's 4 chapters and 2 CGs left. One of them showed up in the credits: Tei kissing Eri if she "accepts" the rape attempt. Which does look kind of romantic out of context but nnnng.
Soi's voice actor sounds a lot deeper and more mature. Tei's laughs a lot and speaks twice as fast.
Tei's diary 2: Tei does ironic-but-not-really product placement for Banjul.
Tei's diary 3: Everyone's food preferences. "Yeonho often looks at the owner obsessively but has not acted out anything serious yet. He's an M."
Zion's diary: When he was in second grade he saw a harpist play at Banjul and started to learn the harp. But in eighth grade his family lost all their money and he ended up begging at Banjul where Mr Hobin took him in.
Mr Hobin's journal: He talks about how Zion has helped his business and wanting to support him no matter how long it takes, including in his relationship with Soi. Aw.
Soi's diary: A letter to Tei asking him out ;_; She admits she first liked him for his looks, but can't forget the smile she saw him give Eri once and wishes someone would look that way at her. She also mentions wanting to become a fashion designer.
And we are SO not seeing the bad ends right now. Maaaaybe one day.
Things I am still unclear on: Was Tei drugging her? What effect did having pages ripped out have: Sometimes she forgot the whole day and sometimes she remembered basically everything. And what present did Soi give Tei?
Next: Tei Route (bad ends)
or skip ahead to
Next: Red Route (Good end)
Time for loveable big brother-type Tei! I'm sure this will be all fluff and hugs ^_^
**Content notes: Attempted rape, abuse, problematically tropey depictions of trauma and mental illness**
Yes, this is just for the good end. But I actually really liked it...in a messed up sort of way. It had that gothic romance building tension and emotional intensity and blurriness between hero and villain.
So Tei is my only unplayed option in the selection screen, and instead of going into the now familiar common path that starts the Lance/Yeonho/Yuri routes I get a brand new beginning. There isn't even a dream.
Chapter: Prince Sunshine
Eri is about to write in her diary when she notices that all the previous pages are smudged.
Eri: That's basically my memories :(
Nameless: Soon all your memories will be destroyed. Aren't you excited?
She turns around in shock but can't see where his voice is coming from. And then she is blinded by white light, and loses consciousness.
THIS IS NOT THE SORT OF CREEPY I WAS EXPECTING??
She wakes to her alarm and someone calling her name: Tei. When she tries to remember past her diary being smudged, her head hurts. She feels dizzy and stumbles into his arms as she gets up. She feels butterflies.
Tei: Your face is red, are you feverish?
Eri: no >.>
Tei Let me help you to the bathroom. You can help yourself after that right? Or...should I help you?
Eri: WHAT
Tei: Haha just joking ^_^ Anyway...that wouldn't solve anything.
Ah, Tei, you utter skeeve.
She checks her diary and it's back to normal. I check her diary in the sidebar and it's been a week since the dolls came to life. It mostly looks like I remember from other routes but there's the odd line like "I keep having weird dreams...I feel like I've been through something like this before."
Tei has created a huge spread of her favourite foods for breakfast, worried that Eri has looked tired and not been eating. She's been having nightmares that leave her dizzy and weak.
Red watches Eri smile at Tei as he wipes something off her face with a napkin.
Red: You smile more around the commander- do you like him?
Eri: NO???
Eri, internally: I mean, I do get butterflies around him, but...
She realises Tei is looking at her and becomes horribly embarrassed.
Where is this path going?? This is the SECOND SCENE.
Eri hears her phone ring and reaches into her pocket...and is shocked to find a new smartphone instead of the old flip-phone she's expecting. Everyone looks at her in confusion: doesn't she remember Yuri getting them all smartphones? She feels like her memory has gone blurry. But when everyone worries that she's sick she dismisses it, not wanting to worry everyone or stay home alone.
Tei, patting Eri's hair: Don't skip meals when I'm at work ok?
Eri: You're such a mom.
Me: Sometimes I feel like someone at Cheritz really wants to be writing weird yuri instead of weird het.
Me:...ok then
Tei: I just want to say...I know you've been lonely, and I can't really understand how you feel. But we're here now. I don't know why, but...I think it's because we didn't want you to be alone.
Him saying he "can't understand" makes me wonder how dolls feel about the concept of parents, and biological family.
In this timeline, Eri is supposedly a childhood friend of the dolls.
A girl gets jealous and Soi nudges Shinbi.
Shinbi: Why do you care so much about the HOT5...am I not enough for you? :(
Girl: Noooo Shinbi I love you ;_;
For the first time, a scene in Red and Tei's class!
A girl shyly asks Tei to come outside. The other boys sigh and explain to an oblivious Red that this is the fourth girl to ask Tei out that day.
Tei: You like me? Have we even met?
Girl: From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the prince I have always dreamed of.
Tei: So it's my looks :/
He's very nice about rejecting her, and she thinks he really is her perfect prince...until she bumps into Red, and decides he is.
Red mutters to himself that it's disloyal for Tei to meet women other than Eri. "It's ruining the teamwork of justice warriors!"
Drama club director: The bravery of mumbling to himself! The excuses he throws into the air! I'VE FOUND OUR NEW STAR
Red: Uh. You're weird and I'm kind of busy.
Director: Don't you want to be the brave warrior who defends the Earth?
Red: :O
Tei comes over to Eri at lunch and offers to push through the crowds to buy her lunch. She tries refusing, to avoid jealous watching girls getting angry, but "He's always gentle, but there's this energy about him that makes refusing impossible". Before she can eat they hear girls looking for him, and she has to leave.
Later, he brings back a cup of tea from work. The illustration has "Tei" written on a ceramic cup which is odd (I checked and the Korean for tea is "cha", also they have some wild sounding teas) He's a bit passive aggressive about how she said she'd come support him on his first day then didn't.
Haa, it's the famous ZZZ tea (everyone seems to have an associated food from Banjul: Yeonho is carrot cake, Lance is lemon tea, and Yuri is Secret Garden. Not sure about Red yet) He hopes it will help her sleep.
Tei: Are you ok? I couldn't help but see your diary.
Eri: AHHHH *shuts diary*
Tei: I wouldn't read it and couldn't if I wanted to. But...is your eyesight ok? Can you really read that?
Me: OH NO?
Eri: What?
Tei: ...never mind. Just go to sleep.
(The blurriness of her diary entries is never mentioned again? But I'm pretty sure that's what he was implying)
As she's falling asleep, she thinks about how nice Tei is and wonders if she likes him. But it's too complicated to think about, and she falls asleep.
Tei, whispering: Every time the cafe door opened I wondered if it was you. I'm fine. ...for now. Right?
Nameless: If I tear her diary for today her memory will disappear. It wasn't even an important day.
???: Stop playing around. I too covet the diary that holds your heroine's memories.
Oh man, IS RED NAMELESS?? I don't think so? But that would certainly be something /o\
Once again Eri is woken by Tei, and feels awful. He's been bringing her ZZZ tea for a week.
I CHECKED THE DIARY AND EVERYTHING BUT THE FIRST ENTRY IS GONE D: There are torn edges where the other pages used to be.
Soi texts Eri saying she's found out Tei works at Banjul and Eri thinks it's time she went there with Soi and Shinbi. She clearly didn't forget everything that happened on the days that have been removed.
Mr Yujin lecture! There are rumours he ate the science teacher.
Yujin: The looks you care about are nothing more than an empty shell that will rot away when you die. Studying is pointless, your brain is nothing but a blob of cells. The only thing that matters is what bones you leave when you die.
Student: But...we can't control our bones.
Yujin: Yes, your life is a failure from the day it begins. So live how you like. My Beatrice possesses beauty none of you failures will ever have.
Student: But wasn't she artificially constructed?
Yujin: Every bone is modelled on the most beautiful bones in all the world! She is like an impossible unicorn that cannot exist in real life.
Eri feels that she is the only person who understands: she likes dolls with faces that can't exist in real life.
Chapter: Banjul Again
They go to Banjul, and the staff all recognise Soi and Shinbi.
Eri: You've been here before? Why didn't you invite me?
Soi: ...you always said you were busy?
Eri : Why can't I remember?
Nameless: Because I tore it.
Manager Mr Hobin explains waiter Zion's backstory: he used to come to the cafe to look at the Hobin family harp, then one day Hobin found Zion standing in the rain outside, begging to be allowed to work there.
Zion is embarrassed by Hobin's story but swoons over the harp a little and Eri finds it endearing.
Tei arrives and beams when he sees Eri. She wants to beam back but people are watching. Soi gloats that her plan to get closer to Tei through Eri is working, but when faced with Tei becomes stuttering and shy.
Eri suddenly has a memory of Yeonho and the cat.
Eri: I feel dizzy and weird. That cat Mr Hobin's holding...I've seen it before.
She feels like something is flowing through her, and there's a storm is in her head. What she sees seems familiar yet strange. The memory of Yeonho and the cat doesn't feel like hers. So whose is it?
Worried, Shinbi and Soi take Eri outside, and she reassures them and goes home. As she's walking from the bus Tei runs up to her, having followed.
Eri: You all worry too much.
Tei: We worry because it's something to worry about! *he strokes her hair and looks into her eyes*
Me: Aww, Tei, if I didn't know you were a creep this would be really sweet
Tei: Is it because you're too innocent? You're too pure and sometimes look like you might break.
Me: There we go.
Once they get home Eri is too exhausted to write in her diary but is full of happy thoughts about how handsome Tei looked in his uniform. He comes in with ZZZ tea (nb she said the stuff from Banjul tasted a little different than the stuff he brews her at home HMMMM. Also I checked and she did write up this day in her diary and it's still there...for now...)
Eri: Thanks for caring for me every day. I want to do something for you.
Tei: Just smile the way you are now. It always makes me feel better, like I'm being purified. Like I'm being cleansed.
Cleansed of what, exactly, Tei...
Eri: You smile better than I do...
Tei, stepping back: Aren't you sleepy?
Eri: Huh, yeah, I am...
Tei: Go to bed. I'll stay with you until you fall asleep ^_^
Eri: Wait, you'll do wha...ZZZZZ
As she dozes off she sees his smile fade, and feels him rhythmically pat her.
She wakes to a white light filled with feathers. And then she sees a little girl, chasing after a taxi.
Child me: Mom, dad, don't go ;_;
But the taxi is too fast, and drives away.
*suddenly overcome by Eri feels*
Child me: Grandpa, I wrote in my diary every day to show them, but they left me :(
Granpa, stroking her hair: They didn't leave you, they just have to go somewhere for work. You're a good girl, you understand, right?
Eri: No! Mom and dad weren't even interested in my diary. I wanted to show them how I spend my days.
Grandpa: You're really upset, huh :( *takes something from his pocket*
Eri: Friend!
Grandpa: Yes, you forgot him while your parents were here.
The next morning she's too tired to get up so Tei puts her over his shoulder despite her protests and carries her to the bathroom. As someone with a fatigue disorder I should probably be more horrified and less into it but MOVING ON.
Eri: Don't you ever get tired of hitting on me?
Yuri: I'm not the sort to hide my true feelings. Unlike some people *stares pointedly at Tei*"
Me: *stares pointedly at Yuri path*
Ahaha so I knew the next choice was "take the bus with Tei" but how he frames it is "I haven't taken the bus before and might get confused". TEI.
Afaict Yuri goes on a mental journey of "OH NO SHE'S INTO TEI. I am both jealous and worried for her. But if I say anything he'll make me look like the bad guy" and so just grumbles and says "Call me if you ever get sick of him."
CG of Tei gently smiling as he rejects gifts from a gaggle of girls on the bus. Eri pretends not to know him until he manipulates the girls into getting on a different bus.
I am overall enjoying this game but I am sick of the way other girls at the school are written as this irritating, uniform mass of shallow bitchy rivals.
Soi: I want to see Tei in his uniform again...you guys do too, right?
Shinbi: I don't know about the uniform, but I like the cafe. The harp is cool.
*adds to the Evidence Shinbi is A Lesbian pile*
Eri feels like if Soi ever found out Eri lives with Tei, she would need ten more lives.
The music class door is packed with girls: Red and Tei's class is just leaving, while Lance and Yeonho's is coming in, so it's a rare chance to see all of HOT5 at once. As Eri tries to make her way through the crowd she is pushed and twists her ankle. Tei comes to help her up and Red runs over to check on her.
Eri: Helped by two of the HOT5 in front of a group of their fans. Hooray /o\
Yuri: Ugh, this teacher thing is too hard. Everyone, go to your classes! President, I'm taking her to the infirmary. Keep everyone quiet while I'm gone.
Soi: Thank you for taking care of her. OK EVERYONE GET TO YOUR CLASS.
Red: The infirmary? >:( That nurse tried to take my bones! She needs to go to hospital!
Yuri: He's weird but can deal with a sprained ankle. And the school will get into trouble if a student is sent to the hospital. Tei, get Red out of here, your class is over.
I think this may be the first real appearance of serious!Yuri outside his path. Afterwards Soi and Shinbi check she's ok, and say that Lance defended her when people got weird after she left.
Red and Yuri send caring texts, and Yeonho walked to the pharmacy to get her stuff. Eri remembers having to take care of herself after her grandpa died, but now she's got a family to take care of her.
Eri: I want to thank whoever made the dolls human ^_^
Me: I'm not sure you do...
Nameless: She's thanking you hahaha :D
Yeonho comes in to wish her goodnight and she realises she's a little disappointed it's not Tei. She wants to go to bed early but can't sleep so goes to make some ZZZ. Just as she's unsuccessfully searching the kitchen Tei comes home.
Tei: I'll make you some ^_^
Eri: Oh no, just tell me where the tea leaves are and I'll do it.
Tei: No, I'll bring it to your room ^_^
Eri: I want to drink it in your room (the library) today. Yuri's not home yet, and I feel like I'll fall asleep if I read one of grandpa's books. Is that ok?
Tei: ...yes. I'll bring it to my room ^_^
Me, remembering what happened the last time Tei got Eri alone and sleepy in his room: D:
She looks at all her grandpa's books, and then at Tei's neatly organised things and Yuri's flashy fashion items hung everywhere.
Eri: No wonder they don't get along. I wish I could blend half and half of them.
Me: *waggles eyebrows at that one "bad" end*
Tei: Half and half of what?
And then she ANSWERS HONESTLY and even Tei can't hide how horrified he is at the idea. But then he apologises, saying he blames himself for her being hurt and they should keep their distance in public.
Eri says she'll miss talking to him and Tei is pleased, but reassures her he'll treat her the same when they're alone.
Eri: Haha, I'm so tired, you didn't spike this tea with a sleeping pill did you ;)
Tei: Well... ;) Can you make it to your room?
Eri: Yeah, I'll be fine. Good night!
Tei, muttering to himself: I'm sorry. I have to protect you from all dangers. Especially...from me.
I am shipping this a little harder than I am entirely comfortable with.
Chapter: Stolen Harp
Flashback:
Mr Hobin: You're very good. Is this really your first time?
Tei: It is my first time but I'm planned out to be good at making coffee. I look forward to working Here.
Mr Hobin: ...planned out?
Zion: Just hire him! It's too hard for me by myself!
Zion and Hobin bicker and Tei mutters to himself that it's like being around Lance and Red.
Tei: I'm busy, Lance can you accompany the owner on the bus?
Eri, thinking: He didn't ask my opinion :/ I can go by myself.
Yuri: Darling~ you can always return to my limo~
Lance: Do I have to go with her?
Tei: I won't force you. Oh, have you guys heard there's criminals around here attacking girls?
Lance: Fine. I'll just walk her to the bus station.
Tei: Better go with Lance if you don't want to be attacked ^_^
How much do I love that Tei consistently refers to Eri as "the owner" to the other dolls. SO MESSED UP.
On the walk Lance says he respects Tei...especially for being able to put up with Red and Yuri.
Eri gets called to the infirmary. Yujin demands she "take it off" and she is shocked when she realises he's not sexually harassing her but is in fact being the school nurse and looking after her injury. He mutters about "that delinquent music teacher and his two idiot students" forcing him, especially "that sneaky one with the brown hair" but refuses to elaborate.
Eri, clutching his clothes, knowing he hates human contact: Please! I'll let you go if you tell me.
Yujin: Ugh! He said he, with his perfect bones, would become a specimen for my next experiment if I checked on your ankle. But he tricked me! There will be no next experiment!
Eri: How could he trick you with his bones?
Yujin: You really are clueless about that boy aren't you?
Soi asks Eri to come to Banjul and she wonders if this counts as "keeping her distance" from Tei. But when they get there they're distracted by Zion curled up in the corner looking like he wants to cry: the harp has been stolen, and Zion's the most obvious suspect since Mr Hobin's away and (only?) Zion had the key.
Soi looks at Zion with worry, grabs her phone, and says she's going to find someone who can provide a harp. Eri worries about him to Tei, and Tei asks how she can be so sure he's innocent.
Eri: Look at that face he's making: it's the face I saw in the mirror when grandpa died.
Tei: I think the real reason you trust him is that you have a good, innocent heart.
That night she stays up to see Tei when he gets back from work, still worried, and he tells her to stop worrying about a stranger and get rest. She feels bad for bugging him, and picks up his stuff to put it in his room...only to discover a key to Banjul in his jacket. OooOOoooh.
So my choices are "sneak out to Banjul" and "ask Tei to go to Banjul with me". The latter apparently leads to a bad end lol. All the other choices so far have been super obvious "be nice to Tei" stuff.
OH ERI HONEY. She doesn't even think to suspect Tei, she just thinks this is a perfect opportunity to look for clues and watch for the criminal returning to the scene of the crime.
She pretends to go to sleep, waits for Tei's light to go out, then sneaks out to Banjul. And then she hears someone approaching...
Eri: AAAAAAHHHHH *punch* ...wait, Tei?
Tei, shaking: Thank God you're ok. Something terrible could have happened to you!
Eri, feeling like an ass: I'm sorry. I just...wanted to find some clues...
Tei: Is Zion really that important to you? If something happened to you here I'd...go crazy.
She realises he's terrified, and on the verge of tears. She apologises again and holds his large, trembling hand in her own.
And then he makes her "his own special ZZZ". He sits next to her and puts his head on her shoulder (or, according to the CG, her head on his shoulder) To cover her embarrassment Eri babbles.
Eri: Haha I feel like we're on a date.
Tei: Should we really go on a date next time?
Eri: You said we should keep our distance in public. I don't mind, but you worried about what might happen to me.
Tei, stroking her hair: I'm sorry, I've been human a while but I don't think I've brought you any happy memories.
Eri: That's not true. There have been troubles but I'm so happy and thankful for you guys.
Tei, softly: I'm glad.
Eri: What about you? Are you happy?
Tei: ...
She stands up to look at him and he suddenly pulls her into a tight embrace.
Tei: I'm so happy it scares me. If this is a dream...I can sleep forever. Every time I say your name and you turn around, it feels like a miracle.What should I do with you? I can't get you out of my head.
She feels herself falling asleep, sure he's saying something important that she can't quite hear.
Tei: What should I do? Will I be able to protect you forever?
She wakes up the next morning at Banjul. Mr Hobin arrives but accepts Tei's excuses for Eri's presence. Then Zion arrives and throws himself into Mr Hobin's arms, saying he'll pay for the harp and begging not to be kicked out.
...and then someone comes to return the harp, which Mr Hobin had forgotten to tell them was being repaired. SORRY FOR SUSPECTING YOU, TEI. I GUESS.
Mr Hobin: An instrument's like a person, it's important to be touched. Come Zion, play it, it'll sound much nicer now. Are you lost for words at what a generous manager I am? ^_^
Zion: AAAAHHHHHHH >:(
Chapter: For Tei
Nameless: *rip* This part's no fun. She said she'd write every day to show her parents. But you forgot the promise you made to me...
*checks the diary* Ack all but the first entry and the most recent 1.5 entries are gone /o\
Yuri bugs Eri about not taking the limo and she silently thinks about how Tei insisted.
At school, Soi refers to Shinbi as "like family" and Eri feels a little jealous.
Eri is overcome by darkness and then white light as Nameless gloats. We see a memory of Soi and Shinbi telling a dopey Eri about Banjul.
Eri comes to with a blinding headache. She doesn't want to go home and worry everyone, and despite Soi and Shinbi's worry says she'll just go to the infirmary and get some pills. But it's locked with a note saying to go to the pharmacy.
She's thinking about what a weird school this is when the Principal comes along and gives her tickets to the AMUSEMENT PARK OF EVIL, remembering how happy she was when she went with her grandpa.
There's a flashback to "child me" promising the attendant to hold on tight. Eri has a vague memory of complaining about something at the park but not what. And then she realises her headache is gone.
Soi: Let me set you up a Twinter account!
Eri: What's Twinter?
Me: Ugh, the obligatory, irrelevant "Eri gets twitter" scene.
Shinbi: It's like a public diary
Me: OH NO
Eri: What would post on a public diary?
Shinbi: Well, Soi gushes about her secret desires.
Soi: It's my noble hobby!
Shinbi: It's pictures you took secretly. Including one of me.
Soi: Ahaha you saw that huh >.>
Eri invites them to the park but they're busy. She decides her best option is to invite Red and Tei.
Except Red is busy. So she gets up the courage to ask Tei, but he says he's too busy with work.
Yuri, snatching a ticket from her hand: Ok, I'll go on a date with you :D
Tei: *twitch* >:(
Going back to her room, Eri notices the headache is back. Tei bombards her with questions about when the headache started/other symptoms etc. He asks if she's really planning on going with Yuri. Eri isn't looking forward to Yuri's "jokes" but prefers it to going alone or throwing the tickets away.
Tei: Is the amusement park that important to you?
The next morning Yuri says they should go to the park in the morning to avoid harsh sun on his delicate skin. Eri sadly ponders that she won't get to go on many rides, and wishes she could go with Tei. She hasn't seen him much at school lately, and the rest of the time he's always busy with work or housework.
At school she sits in a half empty classroom with a bunch of boys and a few girls, as everyone else has run outside to greet the limousine. Soi smugly watches her "competitors" fail and Eri wonders if she'll ever actually ask Tei out.
Have I mentioned this game has the sort of terrible diet talk I am used to from shoujo? Because ugh.
Anyway! Eri goes to the roof to eat her lunch in peace and bumps into Tei sitting in a shady spot. Tei invites her to sit next to him. She enjoys the chance to spend time alone together.
And then I get the choice "Do you want to go to the amusement park" and "it's nothing" and the walkthrough says choose the second? I guess...cos he already said no?? *makes a new save to be on the safe side*
Tei: You have memories of your grandfather other than the amusement park, right? Is the amusement park memory special?
Eri: I do, but...yes.
Tei: Then do you want to go to the amusement park with me?
Eri: !!!! Um. But I already promised Yuri.
Tei: You'd rather go with Yuri? :/
Eri: NO!!!
Tei: So you hate Yuri :D
Eri: No, I...
Tei: I hear people coming, I should go ^_^
TEI
I checked the Tei chapter list and I've seen four out of 16?? *stares at the novel above* The others all had 9 unique good end chapters and 2-3 bad end chapters, but also shared 4 common route chapters.
I'm getting tired and should go to sleep but the next choice on the walkthrough is "I don't care that you're damaged" and I reaaallly want to know the context.
*is my own Tei and sends myself to bed*
*is my own Nameless and wakes up at 2am with a random anxiety attack*
It's Saturday and Eri still isn't sure who's taking her to the amusement park.
Tei: Wake up! Time to get ready for the amusement park!
Eri: But...work? and Yuri?
Tei: I ditched work and plans changed. Why, are you disappointed? :(
Eri: No! (If "plans changed" he could have told me before)
Tei: Then get up, sleepy princess. Or do you need me to help you to the bathroom again ;)
Tei you creepy, condescending, manipulative ass.
She sees Yuri looking sulky.
Yuri: I'm giving up for today, so don't let him bore you too much. I'll give you a ten times better experience next time.
Eri: What did you and Tei talk about?
Tei: I begged to be able to take you. *whispering into her ear* When I heard how precious the place was to you, I really wanted to go.
Eri has butterflies, but when she tries to apologise to Yuri, Tei's all TIME TO GO.
I'm glad that Yuri didn't turn out to be misunderstood: he's basically as selfish and shallow as he appears (while legitimately caring about Eri and to some extent the others), he's just also right about Tei being worse.
Chapter: Theme park
Flashback:
Grandpa: Are you tired? Tell me when you want me to carry it for you.
Child me: He's my friend, so I have to be the one to carry him.
Grandpa: Ok. Then let's go to the amusement park!
From the first bad end I've been thinking Nameless got lost and forgotten at the amusement park, but then what about the Doll In Storage?
Eri is overcome by how much she is enjoying holding Tei's hand.
Me: Aww
Tei: I like that you're so happy but I might have to look for you in the lost children center if you space out like that ;)
Me: Ahahaha /o\
It was about this point that I realised how much Tei reminds me of my indescribably awful abusive ex-boyfriend but that's....not making me not ship it? *tilts head at my emotional reactions and carries on*
Eri notices how much smaller and cuter the merry go round looks now she's grown.
As Tei helps her get onto a horse she hears Nameless's voice talking about the ride spinning around and around.
Tei: Hold tight and put on your seatbelt. I'm your guardian today so listen to me little Eri ^_^ *playfully strokes her hair*
Text does not get across how brightly condescending his voice is. He really does sound like a mother and it's creepy as hell. Much creepier than Yuri's I'm your teacher~ thing which felt more like ironic sexy roleplay. I mean, I'm sure this is all sexy to Tei...
Eri hears Nameless's voice, flinches, and gets goosebumps. Tei notices she's a bit dazed but she feels like something scary will happen if she says it out loud. He sits them on a bench and rests her head in his lap.
She's a little embarrassed, but enjoys knowing he cares so much about her.
Eri: You know, I'm glad I bid on you in that auction. I was so excited I could barely click!
Tei: ...you didn't mind that I was damaged?
She remembers being surprised that he had damage on his knee.
Choices: "It didn't matter that you were damaged" and ",ed you'd have been too expensive and I wouldn't have bee" which is what happens when people are too lazy to adapt their UI for a less compact language.
Tei: Why didn't you mind? Was it because I was a limited edition?
Eri: Because I was attracted to you. Something drew me to you, the moment I saw you I knew you had to be mine.
Eri: (Oh god I sound like a male lead in a soap opera.)
Tei: ...aren't I dirty?
Eri: No you were really clean?
Tei: That's not...never mind.
There's some VERY BAD PLACES this could go. Used goods/Trauma survivor -> yandere is an unfortunate pattern.
Eri asks Tei about his previous owner and he avoids the question and then says "She...was someone who cared for me." It occurs to Eri that she was probably the one who damaged him.
Girl: Is that Tei? But that girl...are you on a date? D:
Tei: No, this girl fainted from the heat. I'm taking her to the first aid station.
Girl: Do you have to go right away?
Tei: She's sick. BYE.
But the girls follow. Tei gets them to run and then hide on the ferris wheel. Eri is more freaked out by the height than she expected, and Tei offers to sit next to her if she wants.
Eri: I feel like it'll be less scary if you're by my side.
Tei: You're being pretty honest today. If you keep being this cute...*mutter*I'll get greedy*mutter*
Then he asks if he should quit the school: he worries that the girls around him have the worst sorts of emotions and might hurt Eri. His shadowed face is full of shame.
Tei: People who have certain feelings can detect others who feel the same. I saw in their eyes...the desire to hurt someone. I know those eyes...very well. I don't want them to hurt you.
Eri says she doesn't want Tei to sacrifice his happiness at school for her. He leans over and hugs her, burying his head in her hair. Her heart is pounding and she can't think.
Tei: I want to be the one to protect you, but...sometimes I can't even handle myself, Eri. You have no idea how worried I was when you left the house. I hated Zion because I thought it was all his fault. And you keep being sick...
He's crushing her so hard she can't breathe, and she has to beat her arms against him to get free. He apologises and after that is a little distant.
At home, Tei doesn't bring Eri tea. She notices her diary feels weirdly light.
Chapter: Premium Limited Edition: Tei
Flashback:
Crobidoll: I'm sorry Miss but since this doll was limited edition, you can get a refund but we can't exchange parts.
Eri is woken by Yeonho.
Red: Commander, you went to the amusement park with heroine? I thought you weren't going to.
Tei: It just happened ^_^
Yuri: Ha! The previous night he threatened-
Tei: Want a dressing for your salad? We have some expired milk ^_^
Yuri: ...anyway, my honey, you have to go on a date with me next. Discrimination is not allowed.
Eri makes excuses for not catching the limo, and catches the bus with Yeonho since his fans are less scary. He's had trouble studying and Lance dismissed him but Tei explained things patiently.
Yeonho: I admire Tei, he's good at studying and cooking and so kind...but the girls who like him are scary.
A girl deliberately bumps into Eri and tells her she's nothing. Later, Soi pulls Eri aside.
Soi: Did you go to the amusement park with Tei? How could you betray me like this?
Yeonho: Oh are you talking about how I invited Tei to the amusement park, but I couldn't go, so Eri filled in for me?
Eri is confused until Yeonho winks at her. I'm sorry for thinking you were the dumb one, Yeonho.
After Soi leaves, Shinbi tells Eri she needs to be more careful.
At lunch Red drags her to the roof to eat lunch with him and Tei, then leaves.
Tei: Just bread? Eat something healthier!
Eri: Yes Mom :P
Tei: ...is that what I am to you?
Eri: Um...
Tei: I'm not hungry, you can have the rest. Bye.
She ponders sadly that he's trying to protect her but making her unhappy in the process. Soi asks her to come to Banjul but she's tired and doesn't want to face Tei, so says no.
On the way home Eri bumps into Zion carrying two big bags of cat food for Mr Hobin. He says Yuri asked him to demonstrate the harp at her school. Then he realises he's about to miss a sale at the market and asks if she can carry the cat food to the cafe.
Hobin: Ah, that boy, being the mom again. And making a customer do his work!
Tei arrives and stares at Eri in surprise. She attempts to leave.
Hobin: Tei! That naughty cat was very rude to her. Take her to that table and make her some tea as an apology.
But Tei softly tells her it's not safe and she should leave, pushing her out the door. BUT OH LOOK IT'S SOI UURRRGH JEALOUSY PLOT BLAAAHHHH
Tei sits them together and Soi's a bit dubious at Eri's explanation. But then she talks about how she's never felt about anyone like she does about Tei, and asks Eri to help hit on Tei for her. Eri feels a weird mix of jealousy, guilt and secret pride to know that Tei likes her more.
Looking at the next few choices...is Tei going to date Soi?? D: D:
Girls: We saw you two "hogging" Tei. Never come to Banjul again!
Eri: Uh...
Soi: Ha! He's not your property. It's not my fault you're not good enough to have a chance with him. Why don't you put your effort into becoming someone Tei can AT LEAST remember the faces of.
Soi cuts the girls off every time they try to argue back. Tei appears and they run off and Soi gets shy.
Tei: I'm sorry about those girls. Does this sort of thing happen often?
Eri: No, everything's fine!
Soi: Sometimes, but it's not your fault. And I'm not like those other girls!
Chapter: Broken Heart
Flashback:
Eri opens doll!Tei's box and is amazed at how new he looks.
Eri: Hello Tei, nice to meet you. I'm your new owner. I'm so lucky to have you!
Flashback to Yuri confronting Tei.
Yuri: She's not just your owner. She's our master too. You don't want to stop being the Prince who's nice to everyone but you don't want anyone else to touch her? Aren't you being selfish?
Me: *looks significantly at Yuri path*
Yuri mutters to himself that he'll never understand a gloomy, twisted mind like Tei's.
At school, Soi drags Eri through the crowd of girls around Tei's class at recess, and Eri falls and scrapes her knees. Tei just walks past, ignoring the visible blood.
Soi: You're bleeding! You should go to the infir-...wait no >.>
Time for Zion's harp recital! The girls swoon over Zion, including Soi, who says he's like a cute little cat she wants to tease.
Boy: I like recitals but when will we learn some theory? Exams are soon...
Yuri: Petty worldly values!
Eri is called to the infirmary. When she gets there she's greeted by Tei, who sits her down and treats her knee.
Tei: Will it scar? ...you're not like me, you have to stay clean.
Creepy music plays. He pokes the centre of the scratch and Eri has to remove his hand to stop him hurting her.
Tei: It drives me mad. When I see you hurt like this...I want to hurt you too.
Eri: Tei? You're scaring me.
Tei, trembling: Please. Get out of here while I'm still sane.
Eri, now worried for him instead of scared: What's wrong?
But he just leaves.
Tei mutters to himself. "What I have I done? Trying to hurt her...I should distract myself, and stay away from her...when I can control myself."
Just as Eri is wondering if Tei wanting to hurt her means he hates her, her phone rings.
Soi: Friend, please forgive me for going down the path to adulthood without you...but I'M DATING TEI :D :D
Eri: D: D:
Me: D: D:
Eri bumps into Yuri as she's miserably limping out the school gate. He very nicely offers to take her shopping to cheer her up. Her head hurts, and she has a memory of going shopping with him from the Yuri path.
Nameless: Don't you remember playing Cinderella? But this is already a lost memory.
And then she wakes from having fainted. A concerned Yuri take her home. Aw, Yuri, for all your flaws, you really are a better person than Tei.
Tei: So, I hear you girls are my fan club? Was it you who made that girl from class N trip? I didn't think anyone around me would be so nasty.
Girls: ;_;
Tei, coldly: Making that face won't change anything. Go tell the fan club I don't want to see any of you any more. If anything like this happens again I will make sure to get even with every one of you.
Chapter: Yuri's Advice
1st owner: He's limited edition so I should be careful. I should keep him in his box to stay clean. Nobody loves you or touches you but me. Ah, my perfect flawless angel, Tei.
The surprised dolls gossip about Tei dating Soi.
Red: So you like her?
Tei: I needed a change in my life.
Yuri: So you're using her. I feel sorry for her.
Me too, Yuri ;_;
Eri: So you're really seeing Soi?
Tei: Finish your breakfast. *leaves*
Eri is heartbroken. "Why do I feel so empty when two people I love are happy?"
Yuri: *glaring at the door* Guys like him don't know how to be thankful even if you care about them.
He invites her to go with him to the amusement park after exams and she agrees.
Soi: Hello single friend ;) Have you heard that Tei broke up his fan club for me? :D
Eri: Yay :(
Shinbi: Drink *hands her strawberry milk*
Soi: I guess he isn't the sort to be very expressive...he barely spoke to me at Banjul yesterday...
Soi begs Eri to come to Banjul with her: she still feels awkward around Tei alone.
Shinbi, stroking Eri's hair: If you feel awkward alone how will you date?
Soi: That's...I'll come up with what to do after I choose my outfit!
Eri miserably tries to help the awkward couple talk.
Eri: So I hear you guys are going on a date?
Tei: *bored nod*
Eri: The clothes Soi has picked out are really pretty!
Soi: *dazzled nod*
Tei: Actually...something came up and I have to cancel, sorry. Raincheck?
Soi, softly: Yeah, okay.
Soi: What do you think when you see me and Tei?
Eri: (AHHHH) I...think you...suit each other??
Soi: I feel like there's an invisible wall. Am I expecting too much? How can I make him happy?
Eri realises she has more of what Soi wants with Tei than Soi does. Eri suggests giving a heartfelt gift, but wishes she could just run away from all of this. Heading home, she is overcome by the awareness of what she has always known: she likes Tei.
Yeonho: EXAMS D:
Shinbi: Calm down, chick. It's too late for worry. There's only one thing left.
Yeonho, clutching her: What?
Shinbi: The method students have used since ancient times: Guessing.
Lance: >:(
I'm there waiting for the exam to start all tense for the fast paced questions. And then... "The proctor walked in"
Yuri: Everyone in your seats. I have something to do this afternoon so be quick.
Me: SPECIFICALLY, YOU HAVE A DATE WITH ONE OF THEM, YOU SKEEVE.
Afterwards Soi gives Eri a cute little bag and card to give to Tei. Eri says the whole point is for Soi to give it, but Soi begs until she agrees.
Eri trips on the way to Tei's classroom and hurts the same knee. He curtly tells her to go to the roof then goes back inside, and she limps up feeling very sorry for herself.
He just stares at the gift, not taking it, and in that moment she hates him.
Eri: It's from Soi. Take it! I'm done here.
But he grabs her as she's leaving.
Tei: What happened to your knee?
Eri: I was distracted and tripped. Can you let me go?
She's waiting for Yuri to pick her up when Tei runs up and demands to know why she gave him the gift.
Eri: You think I wanted to? If you want to judge me for following a friend's request go ahead.
And then Yuri shows up and she gets into the limo without hesitation.
Yuri quietly takes her to the amusement park. Eri realises that lately he's been taking care of her the way Tei used to.
Eri: You're not playing around today, it's weird.
Yuri: It's better not to touch a girl who likes someone else. Don't be gloomy, my honey. He was always a bit twisted.
Me: Aww
Yuri: I feel sorry for your class president who's dating him. Her bust size is way too good for Tei.
Eri and me: YOU PERV
Eri is glad to be able to talk about her feelings at last.
Eri: Why is he being so distant?
Yuri: If I tell you I'm helping him...But I don't want to see you sad, so: he doesn't want you to be hurt. If you really want it, take it. Be honest. Maybe he'll change for you.
The next choice is "Push Tei away" and I thought maybe he'd hit on her and she'd have to be like "No, you're dating Soi" AHAHAHA.
Eri falls asleep and is woken by Nameless's voice. She sees Tei in her room.
Tei, in a soft, affectionate voice: You fell asleep in the middle of writing your diary. Is anything bothering you? Tell me and I'll do anything I can do to help.
She feels like if she doesn't reach for him he'll disappear. So she reaches for him...and he fades away??
She wakes in the library. There is a steaming cup of tea next to her. Tei comes in and says the tea is for her, so she drinks it. But he refuses to answer her questions about how she ended up there.
Tei, darkly: Did you have fun today?
Eri: Yeah! (I should follow Yuri's advice and be honest) So, Tei...
But then he pushes her against the couch.
Tei, voice shaking: What exactly did you do with Yuri?
Eri: Urk! Tei!
Tei: I knew it! If I didn't touch you, didn't hurt you, someone else would. I should have made you mine even though I don't deserve you!
Eri: Tei, let me go :(
Tei: I can't. A good girl stays quiet. My owner is a good girl. That's why I couldn't...I'd rather make you dirty myself than let someone else take you away. Since it's already happened, I'll show you the real me. Be as scared as you can possibly be, so you can't think of anyone else.
...not sure I'm ever going to be up for what happens if you choose "Accept Tei".
*chooses "Push Tei away"*
Eri: I don't understand what you're saying. I don't understand anything you've done lately, and I won't understand unless you tell me. Please, don't become a stranger to me.
Tei: ...you don't know anything about me.
Eri: You're right. But I'll stay by your side until I do.
He hugs her and she hears his breaths slowly calm down.
Tei: I'm sorry, Eri. Sleep, and when you wake, I'll explain.
She cries and falls asleep in his arms.
Tei mutters to himself, horrified: What if I eventually do hurt you? But I love you so much I can't handle it. What should I do?
Chapter: Festival
1st owner: Tei, you're clean and perfect today as always. Being dirty is bad. That's when you get scratched or your colour changes. That's betraying your owner. But that will never happen to you in this box. As long as you're clean we can stay together forever.
Nameless rips more pages.
Eri wakes in her own bed, feeling headachey and strange. Tei has cooked a fancy breakfast and doesn't meet her eyes. He gives her a headache pill "like yesterday" and she realises it's two days later than she thought, somehow.
At school Soi keeps sighing, and says they should eat lunch on the roof.
Soi: *sigh* I should break up with Tei...I think I'm going to cry so I'm going to stuff my mouth with bread.
Shinbi: Drink water too.
Eri, feeling guilty: ...
Soi: Eri, if anything gets tough, talk to us.
At home, Yuri flirtatiously asks Eri to hang out with him in the afternoon of tomorrow's festival. Tei breaks a fork in two. Eri is baffled as to why Tei is angry at Yuri and says yes to the date??? ERI.
Eri: Tei, what do you think of Soi?
Tei: She's a good friend...I should get a new fork.
Eri tries to fill in her missing memories with her diary but there's nothing for the last two days. Just as she notices some tear marks, Tei comes in with tea.
Eri: Seriously, what do you think of Soi?
Tei: Oh, she just dumped me ^_^
We see Soi telling Shinbi that she really liked Tei, but he never looked at her the way he looked at Eri. Eri matters to her as much as she likes Tei, and she doesn't want to lose that friendship over someone who doesn't even care. "I want her to be friends with her forever. She's the only person I've thought that about except you." Shinbi is calmly comforting.
Soi ;_;
Happy scene as Eri describes the school's historic festival! RAPE ATTEMPT WHAT RAPE ATTEMPT.
Soi is semi-successfully pretending to be happy. Shinbi pokes her and she tells Eri that she broke up with Tei. "Friendship trumps love. Hoes before bros!"
Lance is still complaining that the end of Red's play is obscene, haha.
Eri asks Yeonho for her future fortune. Aww, Soi's diary unlocked, it's going to be sad :(
Yeonho: This is odd, it's about your past. "Until your heart is whole, you will fall down the cliff and return to the past". Um. I'M SURE IT'LL BE FINE.
Eri asks to do him a favour in payment, and he tells her to be happy.
Eri meets with Yuri.
Yuri: I'm so sick of how lukewarm that boy is. He refuses to pull the trigger.
Me: LUKEWARM IS NOT THE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND.
Yuri flirts with Eri but is just doing it to make Tei jealous because HE APPARENTLY WANTS TO BE MURDERED.
Tei punches Yuri, grabs Eri's wrist, and pulls her out of the room towards the roof.
Tei: I'm sorry for startling you. I don't know where to begin...
Eri: Are you going to apologise to Yuri?
Tei: :/
Eri: >:(
Tei: ...I'll think about it after I find out what really happened.
She persuades him that nothing happened, and he apologises for what happened in the library. She asks why he wanted to hurt her, and called himself dirty.
Tei says his owner only took him out of his box once a day. In a lonely, bitter voice, he says he was happy because he got to see her smile.
Tei: Her obsession for me staying clean was like a spell. But one day I realised...it was a curse.
A small child found his box and he was afraid, silently calling for his owner to come save him. But she just screamed. She kept muttering that she'd make him clean again but when that failed she cried and shouted at him for being dirty. He hated and blamed himself. And then she sold him.
So on a literal level this is a bit Toy Story but on a metaphorical level it feels like rape and my brain is having trouble reconciling the two. The unfortunate implications are...ah, let's not even go there. The whole first owner=mother thing certainly...says some things about the Lance path. ANYWAY.
Tei: And then you greeted me and smiled, and I sensed that no matter how dirty I am, you'd be able to accept me. You were my sun, my world, my god in my tiny world. I became human, and I could touch you like this...I was raptured. But I keep having bad thoughts.
I wanted to touch you, and my scar reminded me why I should not. That's why I started working, to keep myself busy, but it didn't work. Fearful thoughts overtook me, from the darkest parts of my mind. I thought...if you were ruined like me, I could reach you. I knew I should never hurt you, but I kept wanting to. Even though bad things happened as you got closer, I circled around you never giving up these feelings. I tried to protect you, I saw your friend and ignored you but...I still ended up hurting you. Can you forgive me?
Eri doesn't answer, coming to terms with the fact that he knew how unhappy she was all this time.
Tei: You should abandon me. But know that noone loves you more than I do.
"You can destroy me" vs "You are not dirty"
*makes another save I may never have the courage to reopen, and picks option 2*
Eri: I like you just as you are, right now. By my side.
Tei, sounding small and scared: Really? I'm not scary or repulsive? What if I end up hurting you?
Eri: Then I'll get over it. There might be scars, but I'll get over them and forget about them. Trust me and I'll trust you too. I'm your owner and you're my doll. And since...I really like you.
Tei steps closer, his face full of excitement and his voice is shaking with tears.
Tei: Does that mean, you're letting me...
She nods and he kisses her.
I have VERY COMPLEX FEELINGS.
Also omg I was curious and checked and this is currently at TEN THOUSAND WORDS. I may have to do some trimming /o\ EDIT: After much editing it's now...down to 9K. OH WELL.
Chapter: Performance
Nameless: Such a greedy girl. It seems not much time is left, so I'll just watch. Since I'm a "good person" just like you.
OH HEY ERI'S TERRIBLE PARENTS I FORGOT ABOUT YOU
Eri describes her mother's voice as "strange and familiar at the same time", and after the phonecall she is left tired, like a memory from another world.
URGH Eri is vague about who she's going to dinner with FOR NO REASON despite Tei's VERY CLEAR jealousy issues. I mean Eri should be allowed to hang out with whoever she wants, but she wasn't this vague any other time so it feels contrived. And Yeonho managed to get murderously jealous even knowing it was her parents! (...self this is not an argument for Yeonho as Best Boy)
Someone needs to hand Eri a "Dummy's Guide to Dating a Yandere". I hope she gets a better grasp of him by the end of the path, she obviously knows he has the POTENTIAL for darkness but she doesn't seem aware of how much his possessive, manipulative tendencies motivate his seemingly kind actions.
Yuri continues to poke Tei and Tei continues to passive aggressively mess with his breakfast. But they seem to have mostly worked things out.
Haaa Yeonho is about to go to school with Eri, and Tei frowns, I was worried he'd be jealous but instead he distracts Yeonho with cookies.
Eri: Aww, Tei's like a big brother to Yeonho <3
Me: Eri you are SUCH A DUMBASS
Tei: So let's go ^_^ *escapes with Eri before Yeonho can return*
OK PHEW. So he "straightens her ribbon" (eg makes an excuse to touch her) and asks again who she's going to dinner with, and she tells him. His tone is less intensely parental but still a bit condescending.
Soi cheerfully teases Eri about Tei, and Eri is glad she's recovered, and grateful for what a good friend Soi is. AWWWW and then Soi gives Eri the AMUSEMENT PARK TICKETS OF EVIL because she won them in a competition she entered...back when she was thinking of bringing Tei.
Soi: To thank me you can set me up on a blind date ;)
Tei comes to Eri's classroom saying he wanted to see her and Eri feels her whole face heat up.
Soi: Hey cockroaches, how about you stop touching antennae in front of the classroom? Your cheesiness is blinding my eyes.
Tei: Then close your eyes ;P
Soi and Tei have a cheerfully bantery friendship now, and agree she will find someone way better than him. AW. And then Tei asks to speak to Soi and Shinbi alone and Eri and I are VERY CONFUSED??
Eri's mother worries about whether Eri is eating right etc then apologises for nagging, just like Tei, lolll. She worries that Eri is lonely, Eri is grateful for their concern and reassures them that she has overcome it her own way. Her parents have a little trouble with the idea of (as far as they know, non-sentient) dolls keeping her happy, but are actually pretty supportive and caring this time around. She opens up to them more and they talk for hours.
I'm not sure how I feel about the most screwed up and abusive love interest having the least screwed up and most innocently oblivious Eri but it is what it is.
Tei rings as she's leaving and she apologises but he says he's glad she talked to her parents and will see her at Banjul. When she gets there it's dark and past closing but the light turns on and....
Zion: Time for the special concert!
Me: ...well played, game, that is not what I was expecting.
Eri is seated with Red, Lance, Yeonho and Yuri. But where is Tei? Then she hears a piano playing and the lights reveal Tei and Zion performing a duet. Her eyes meet Tei's and it's all incredibly romantic. But then Nameless speaks and she sees white feathers floating in the air. Is this a dream?
Tei comes to her and puts her hands on his heart, saying how much he loves her and how he belongs to her. Will she accept him?
SO, YES, OBVIOUSLY. WHAT AM I, A MONSTER?
Eri is incredibly happy, and thinks back over how happy she's been not just with Tei, but the dolls in general. There's a sort of finality to it that makes me feel like Red's route is going to be something quite different.
And then Soi comes out, grumbling about all the work she did because Tei asked so desperately, and a little confused as to why he talked about "being taken out of a box" lol. She and Shinbi refer to themselves as "bridesmaids" and this all feels very wedding-ish.
Apparently Yuri taught Tei to play piano??? ;_;
Soi and Zion swap diet tips then she corners him to touch his green eyelashes. I think a subby boy she can boss around will make her much happier :)
Tei comes in with a special blend of ZZZ he made just for her.
Tei: But it's not free. I'll sacrifice anything for you, but not when there's something I want from you. *moves the tea so she doesn't spill it*
Eri, heart beating: What do you want?
Tei: To whine about how lonely I've been today.
Eri: Can I at least drink the tea?
Tei: If you insist. *takes a sip of tea then kisses her* How is it?
Eri: Pretty special :)
tei: I could reach out and break you but I don't want to. If I hurt you, you'd remember me more. But I won't be that greedy. I want to see you smile.
He whispers that he loves her and it fades to black.
...congratulations to Tei, I guess, for having the least AND most rapey sex scenes.
Chapter: Christmas with Tei
A letter from Crobidoll: they now offer the ability to replace parts for discontinued models, including Tei's.
Tei looks thoughtful then asks Eri how she feels about the scratch on her smartphone. She talks about how it reminds her of all the happy times she's had.
Tei: I don't want the scar to fade away. It's not so bad to change. I had a hard time because of the scar, but I'm stronger for it now. I look at it and remember how I have changed. It's how I met you.
*is possibly sniffling a little shut up*
They tease each other in a cute way at the amusement park.
CLOSING CREDITS. Red and Tei's song, it's...ok. Also was that a CG of Eri working as a waiter at Banjul??
The machine only spits out one ticket for the merry go round and Tei insists she go by herself.
Nameless: Was this time fun for you? Sadly this wasn't it for me. But just keep treading on the path that leads you to me.
Everything goes purple and Eri cries out for Tei.
THE END
My brain: Well that was fucked up.
My dumbass emotions: He loved her so much ;_;
There's 4 chapters and 2 CGs left. One of them showed up in the credits: Tei kissing Eri if she "accepts" the rape attempt. Which does look kind of romantic out of context but nnnng.
Soi's voice actor sounds a lot deeper and more mature. Tei's laughs a lot and speaks twice as fast.
Tei's diary 2: Tei does ironic-but-not-really product placement for Banjul.
Tei's diary 3: Everyone's food preferences. "Yeonho often looks at the owner obsessively but has not acted out anything serious yet. He's an M."
Zion's diary: When he was in second grade he saw a harpist play at Banjul and started to learn the harp. But in eighth grade his family lost all their money and he ended up begging at Banjul where Mr Hobin took him in.
Mr Hobin's journal: He talks about how Zion has helped his business and wanting to support him no matter how long it takes, including in his relationship with Soi. Aw.
Soi's diary: A letter to Tei asking him out ;_; She admits she first liked him for his looks, but can't forget the smile she saw him give Eri once and wishes someone would look that way at her. She also mentions wanting to become a fashion designer.
And we are SO not seeing the bad ends right now. Maaaaybe one day.
Things I am still unclear on: Was Tei drugging her? What effect did having pages ripped out have: Sometimes she forgot the whole day and sometimes she remembered basically everything. And what present did Soi give Tei?
Next: Tei Route (bad ends)
or skip ahead to
Next: Red Route (Good end)
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Date: 2018-12-07 01:40 am (UTC)Thank you, that's really great to hear! There's definitely more coming.